This journey could be fraught with peril. If the Emperor were to meet his demise, what would become of Xian Yue? Thus, this excursion differed from any previous one, and Prince Nan would not consent to the Emperor’s northern campaign, even unto death.
A deep light flickered in Mu Rong Liu Zun’s profound eyes. He knew that Prince Nan worried for his safety, but he could not bear the thought of Qing Yao going alone.
If Prince Nan were to accompany them, it seemed he wouldn't be of much help. Only he was the disciple of the Heavenly Mountain Crimson Cloud Elder, and in both strategy and martial arts, he was superior to all others, a fact that no one else could match.
On this journey north, the Dan Feng Kingdom had the cunning Hua Wen Bo, who was also deeply versed in various Gu techniques.
Ordinary individuals were no match for him, which was why he worried about Yao’er’s northern journey. No matter what, he had to be by her side. If they couldn’t defeat Dan Feng, even if he and she had a thousand lifetimes, he would be content. Entrusting Xian Yue to Prince Nan’s care would be enough for him.
“Liu Zhao, there is no need for further words. My decision is made. Since there is danger, I have no reason to let Liu Zhao go. Moreover, Liu Zhao, between you and me, who do you think has a greater chance of winning?”
As Emperor Xian’s voice fell, Prince Nan ceased his protests. In terms of martial arts or stratagem, he naturally could not compare to his elder brother.
He knew this journey was extremely risky, and out of selfish concern, he did not want Qing Yao to suffer any harm. Therefore, he remained silent, though still worried.
“Then who will be in charge of the palace in my stead?”
Every time he was asked to stand in, he had to feign illness. One day, this charade would be exposed, and it would be difficult to salvage the situation.
“Yes. Once this battle is won, I will return immediately.”
Emperor Xian spoke in a deep voice. Finally, Prince Nan said no more, for both men harbored a private wish that Yao’er would suffer no mishap on this northern expedition.
Prince Nan silently whispered in his heart, “I will pray for you every day. May this battle be a swift victory.”
Although Prince Nan agreed to the Emperor’s northern expedition to accompany Qing Yao, Qing Yao herself vehemently opposed the idea.
Within the Imperial Villa, the atmosphere in the main hall was frigid. Mo Chou and Bing Xiao, standing below, quickly retreated, unable to bear the chilling aura any longer.
The Empress’s eyes seemed to be veiled by frost and snow, each inch as cold as ice, chilling to the bone.
“Your Majesty, I do not agree to your accompanying me to the Dan Feng Kingdom.”
Emperor Xian was not intimidated by her icy demeanor. He understood her perfectly. Those who genuinely cared for her were as soft as cotton in their hearts, so how could she be so indifferent? It was merely her unwillingness to let him face even the slightest insecurity, and he shared the same sentiment, though he did not voice it.
“I have already decided, Yao’er.”
His tone carried a resolute, natural dominance that brooked no argument.
Qing Yao’s dark pupils flickered, as deep as the sea. “Your Majesty, why must you do this? This northern expedition to Dan Feng is extremely perilous. You are still of the utmost importance, a body of ten thousand pieces of gold. Should even the slightest accident befall you, I would be a sinner for all eternity.”
She feared that Xian Yue would then be plunged into dire straits. If the Emperor were to meet with an accident, Prince Nan would not be sufficient to bear the burden. As a prince, he was content, but as Emperor, how could he contend with the insidious and cunning Hua Wen Bo and Chang Sun Zhu, let alone the villain Shangguan Hao? These individuals were rife throughout the Seven Kingdoms, and Prince Nan was simply no match for them. However, Emperor Xian was a different matter; he was an exceptionally astute emperor of the world.
Furthermore, the thought of him meeting an accident made her heart ache deeply. She had experienced such pain once before when Wu Qing died, and she did not wish to endure it a second time.
Although he was the esteemed ruler of a nation, he had saved her from the brink of death twice. She was not a cold-blooded creature, how could she be unmoved? Therefore, this time, she did not wish for him to accompany the army north.
“Your Majesty, I disagree.”
Her voice, as cold as ice, remained firm. Emperor Xian’s expression darkened, and he slowly enunciated each word.
“Yao’er, I cannot rest assured without you. Only with me accompanying you, or else the northern army will halt.”
“You would abandon your dream of unifying the Seven Kingdoms?” Qing Yao’s eyes widened in disbelief. Had this man not always harbored such a dream? Why would he bring the northern army to a sudden halt? This was truly difficult for her to comprehend. However, seeing his solemn and serious expression, devoid of any jest, she murmured again, “You are mad.”
“Yes, I am mad. For if Yao’er were to meet with an accident on this journey, then I would truly go mad.”
His voice was rough and hoarse. Qing Yao trembled and could no longer utter a word. With a stern face, she glared at the handsome and tall man, her chest heaving up and down, her emotions stirred. After a long while, she calmed down. She was grateful that he valued her as much as his empire, that he was entirely different from those who wished to exploit her. However, this was not the time for matters of love. No one knew what the situation would be in this battle; even she was uncertain. But as long as she had breath, she would fight.
This was not only for revenge for Wu Qing but also for her faith.
“Alright, let us fight side by side for once. May we achieve victory.”
Qing Yao suddenly smiled, her eyes as clear as a tranquil ripple of water, refreshing and invigorating.
Who said this battle was destined to fail? If they wished to protect her and him, they must win, and she would do her utmost. Even if not for herself, it was for Wu Qing, and for him, she would fight.
“Good,” Mu Rong Liu Zun said, his lips curling into a faint smile, his dark eyes instantly shimmering with light.
A warm spring breeze filled the main hall. As the crisis subsided, Mo Chou, Bing Xiao, and Xiao Yu’er walked in from outside.
“Mother, I want to go too.”
Xiao Yu’er cried out first. She was determined to accompany them on this journey. After hearing the words of her father and mother, it was clear that it was extremely dangerous. If they didn’t let her go, she wouldn’t be at ease.
“Xiao Yu’er, no.”
Both of them exclaimed in unison. Mu Rong Liu Zun and Qing Yao exchanged glances after speaking. It seemed that sometimes, they were truly in sync, especially when it came to Xiao Yu’er.
Upon hearing their words, Xiao Yu’er’s expression soured. A blush flashed across her small, rosy face, clearly indicating her displeasure. Her large eyes blinked, her long eyelashes trembled, and her eyes welled up with moisture. She bit her tender lip, appearing as if she had been wronged.
Emperor Xian looked at his daughter with a pang of heartache. He quickly drew her closer. “Xiao Yu’er, this journey is extremely dangerous. It would be best for you to remain within the villa.”
“Father, I thought I liked you so much, yet you won’t even take me with you. I just want to be by Father and Mother’s side. Can’t Father even grant Xiao Yu’er this small wish? Xiao Yu’er is so pitiful.”
This little girl’s acting was superb, delivering a performance that was as vivid as it was touching. Seeing his daughter’s pitiable state, Emperor Xian felt a surge of compassion and looked towards Yao’er.
“What about it?”
Qing Yao raised her hand, her expression darkening. Gritting her teeth, she said softly, “Mu Xiao Yu, aren’t you pushing it a bit? This isn’t an outing for sightseeing; it’s a real war. Your father and I will be very busy then, and there will be no one to look after you.”
As Qing Yao finished speaking, Xiao Yu’er’s tears began to fall. She was truly crying. For some reason, the more they spoke of the danger, the more she wanted to follow them.